Data processing system and method for securing a docking station and its portable PC

ABSTRACT

A data processing system and method including a docking station and a portable computer capable of being coupled to the docking station are disclosed for securing the docking station, the portable computer, and for securing the attachment of the docking station to the portable computer. The portable computer is coupled to the docking station. A disconnection password is established. When the portable computer is disconnected from the docking station, a user is prompted for the disconnection password. The portable computer is disabled in response to a failure to correctly enter the disconnection password, wherein the portable computer is inoperable without a correct entry of the disconnection password. When a portable computer is connected to the docking station, a correct entry of a connection password is required. In response to a failure to correctly enter the connection password, access to the docking station is prohibited. When the docking station is physically removed from its stationary support, correct entry of a relocation password is required. In response to a failure to correctly enter the password, access to the docking station is prohibited.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to data processing systems and,in particular, to a data processing system and method including adocking station and a portable computer capable of being coupled to thedocking station. Still more particularly, the present invention relatesto a data processing system and method including a docking station and aportable computer capable of being coupled to the docking station forsecuring the docking station, the portable computer, and their storeddata.

2. Description of the Related Art

Personal computer systems are well known in the art. They have attainedwidespread use for providing computer power to many segments of today'smodern society. Personal computers (PCs) may be defined as a desktop,floor standing, or portable microcomputer that includes a system unithaving a central processing unit (CPU) and associated volatile andnon-volatile memory, including random access memory (RAM) and basicinput/output system read only memory (BIOS ROM), a system monitor, akeyboard, one or more flexible diskette drives, a CD-ROM drive, a fixeddisk storage drive (also known as a “hard drive”), a pointing devicesuch as a mouse, and an optional network interface adapter. One of thedistinguishing characteristics of these systems is the use of amotherboard or system planar to electrically connect these componentstogether. Examples of such personal computer systems are IBM's PC 300series, Aptiva series, and Think Pad series.

Theft of computers is becoming a major industry problem. With portablecomputers getting smaller and more commonplace, the rate of theftincreases. The portable's counterpart, the docking station, is alsobecoming more susceptible to theft. Another concern is unauthorizedaccess to docking station devices, such as a network or printers, ordata loss from the docking station.

To deter theft, the portable and docking station may be physicallylocked to a desk or locked together. The locking mechanism is a mereinconvenience for a professional thief. Because the locking mechanismdefeats the portability of these devices, it also defeats theconvenience and appeal of these devices as well. However, the lock doesnot prevent unauthorized access.

Therefore a need exists for a data processing system and method forsecuring a docking station, a portable computer capable of being coupledto the docking station, and their stored data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A data processing system and method including a docking station and aportable computer capable of being coupled to the docking station aredisclosed for securing the docking station, the portable computer, andsecuring the attachment of the portable computer to the docking station.The portable computer is coupled to the docking station. A disconnectionpassword is established. The portable computer is disconnected from thedocking station. A user is then prompted for the disconnection password.The portable computer is disabled in response to a failure to correctlyenter the disconnection password, wherein the portable computer isinoperable without a correct entry of the disconnection password. When aportable computer is connected to the docking station, a correct entryof a connection password is required. In response to a failure tocorrectly enter the connection password, access to the docking stationis prohibited. When the docking station is physically removed from itsstationary support, correct entry of a relocation password is required.In response to a failure to correctly enter the password, access to thedocking station is prohibited.

The above as well as additional objectives, features, and advantages ofthe present invention will become apparent in the following detailedwritten description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features are set forth in the appended claims. The presentinvention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, furtherobjectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by referenceto the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment whenread in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a pictorial representation of a docking station inaccordance with the method and system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a pictorial representation of a portable computer inaccordance with the method and system of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a high-level schematic diagram of the docking stationof FIG. 1 in accordance with the method and system of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 depicts a high-level schematic diagram of the portable computerof FIG. 2 in accordance with the method and system of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 depicts a high level flow chart which illustrates establishingpasswords in accordance with the method and system of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a high level flow chart which depicts a securityprocessor within a docking station being utilized to permit or prohibitaccess to the docking station in response to an entry of a password inaccordance with the method and system of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 depicts a high level flow chart which depicts a portable computerpermitting or prohibiting access to the portable computer in response toan entry of a password in accordance with the method and system of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment of the present invention and its advantages arebetter understood by referring to FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings, likenumerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the accompanyingdrawings.

The present invention is a method and system for securing a dockingstation, a portable computer capable of being coupled to the dockingstation, and the data stored within the docking station and portable. Aconnection password, disconnection password, and relocation password areprovided. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a single passwordmay be utilized as the connection, disconnection, and relocationpasswords.

Upon the portable being connected to the docking station, the user isprompted to enter the connection password. If the correct connectionpassword is entered, access is permitted to the docking station.However, if the correct connection password is not entered, access isprohibited.

The docking station includes a security processor for storing thepasswords and determining whether the correct password was entered. Thesecurity processor is coupled to the portable computer. The dockingstation devices do not receive power until the security processordetermines that the correct connection password was entered. Upon thecorrect entry of the connection password, the security processor outputsan enable signal causing the power supply to supply full system power tothe docking station devices. Logic inside the portable computer coupledto the security processor is utilized for determining whether theportable is coupled to the docking station.

Upon the portable being disconnected from the docking station, the useris prompted to enter the disconnection password. If the correctdisconnection password is entered, the portable computer will remainoperable. However, if the correct disconnection password is not entered,the portable disables itself. Upon the portable computer beingdisconnected from the docking station, a system management interrupt(SMI) is generated which prompts the user to enter the disconnectionpassword. If no password, or an incorrect password, is entered, theportable will remain in the SMI handler, disabling the portable untilthe correct password is entered.

When the docking station is removed from its stationary support,typically a desk, a mechanical relocation switch, coupled to theelectronic latch, is utilized to clear the latch. When the dockingstation is relocated, the user is prompted for the relocation password.If the correct relocation password is not entered, the docking stationwill prohibit access to its devices as described above by not supplyingfull system power to the devices.

FIG. 1 illustrates a pictorial representation of a docking station inaccordance with the method and system of the present invention. Dockingstation 10 rests on a stationary support 12, such as a desk, andincludes a connector 210 for coupling docking station 10 to a portablecomputer 30 (shown in FIG. 2), a docking station relocation mechanicalswitch 16, a power switch 18, and the other components shown in FIG. 3.

Docking station 10 also includes a keyboard port 40, pointing deviceport 42, and CRT port 44 (all shown in FIG. 3). Keyboard port 40 isutilized for coupling a keyboard to docking station 10. Pointing deviceport 42 is utilized for coupling a pointing device to docking station10. CRT port 44 is utilized for coupling a CRT to docking station 10.

FIG. 2 depicts a pictorial representation of a portable computer inaccordance with the method and system of the present invention. Portablecomputer 30 may be implemented utilizing any portable computerconfigured as described below and capable of being coupled to dockingstation 10. Portable computer 30 includes a keyboard 32, a display 34,and the other components shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 3 illustrates a high-level schematic diagram of the docking stationof FIG. 1 in accordance with the method and system of the presentinvention. Docking station 10 includes station devices such as networkadapter 320 and an integrated drive electronics device 322, such as anIDE hard drive. Docking station 10 also includes a PCI/IDE controller324, power supply 326, security ASIC 328, storage device 330, latches332 and 323, PCI/PCI bridge 334. keyboard port 40, pointing device port42, and CRT port 44.

IDE device 322 is coupled through PCI/IDE controller 324 to a PCI bus340. PCI bus 340 is also coupled to network adapter 320. Network adapter320 is utilized to provide access to docking station 10, and anyportable computer coupled to docking station 10, to a network, such asan Ethernet network. The preferred form of the network conforms to theEthernet specification. However, it will be appreciated that other formsof networks may be utilized.

SM bus 342 is coupled to a storage device, such as EEPROM 330 and to asecurity application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 328. SecurityASIC 328 is constantly powered, even when docking station 10 ispowered-off, by an auxiliary power signal AUX 5 346 output by powersupply 326. Power supply 326 is capable of supplying full-time tricklepower utilizing signal AUX 5 346 from power supply 326.

Security ASIC 328 is utilized to store a connection password, adisconnection password, and a relocation password. Prior to portablecomputer being coupled to docking station 10, power supply 326 does notsupply full system power 344 to its devices. When a portable computer iscoupled to docking station 10 and prior to a correct entry of theappropriate password, the portable computer may access only securityASIC 328 within docking station 10 utilizing SM bus 342. ASIC 328detects a connection of the portable computer when the portable computerattempts to access ASIC 328. ASIC 328 then prompts for the connectionpassword. ASIC 328 receives the entered password via only two data pinsof SM bus 342. These pins are isolated form PCI bus 340 until thecorrect password has been entered.

This prevents a device from pulling the pins low. If the connectionpassword is correctly entered, ASIC 328 outputs a power enable signal350 to power supply 326 which causes power supply 326 to beginoutputting full system power 344.

After setup, ASIC 328 monitors latch 333. In this manner, the stationdevices will then become accessible to the portable computer.

An electronic latch 332 is included and is coupled to switch 16utilizing signal line 362. An electronic latch 333 is included and iscoupled to sense line 360. Latch 332 receives power from a batterysource 364. Latch 332 is cleared when it loses its power from batterysource 364, or when switch 16 is opened. Therefore, latch 332 is clearedwhen docking station 10 is removed from support 12, or when latch 332loses power.

Latch 333 is coupled to sense line 360 which is also coupled to apull-up resistor 335 in docking station 10 and a pull-down resistor 252in portable 30. When portable 30 is docked within docking station 10,latch 333 is set. When portable 30 is not docked within docking station10, latch 333 is cleared.

Both latches 332 and 333 are coupled to security ASIC 328 so that theoutput from latches 332 and 333 is received by ASIC 328.

FIG. 4 depicts a high-level schematic diagram of the portable computerof FIG. 2 in accordance with the method and system of the presentinvention. A central processing unit (CPU) 200 is connected by address,control, and data busses 202 to a memory controller and peripheralcomponent interconnect (PCI) bus bridge 204 which is coupled to systemmemory 206. An integrated drive electronics (IDE) device controller 220,and a PCI bus bridge 212 are connected to PCI bus bridge 204 utilizingPCI bus 208. IDE controller 220 provides for the attachment of IDEcompatible storage devices such as fixed disk drive 222. PCI bridge 212includes power management logic.

Sense line 360 is received by portable computer 30 utilizing dockingconnector 210. Sense line 360 is coupled to a pull-down resistor 252.

An I/O controller 218 is coupled to PCI bridge controller 212 anddocking connector 210. I/O controller 218 controls communication betweenPCI bridge controller 212 and devices and peripherals such as floppydrive 224, keyboard 32, and mouse 34 so that these devices maycommunicate with CPU 200.

PCI bridge controller 212 includes an interface for a flash memory 242which includes microcode which client 104 executes upon power-on. Flashmemory 242 is an electrically erasable programmable read only memory(EEPROM) module and includes BIOS that is used to interface between theI/O devices and operating system. PCI bridge controller 212 alsoincludes storage 213, which is preferably implemented utilizing CMOSstorage, that holds the BIOS settings. Storage 213 includes values whichdescribe the present configuration of client 104. For example, storage213 includes information describing the list of initial program load(IPL) devices set by a user and the sequence to be used for a particularpower method, the type of display, the amount of memory, time date, etc.Furthermore, this data is stored in storage 213 whenever a specialconfiguration program, such as configuration/setup is executed. PCIcontroller 212 is supplied power from battery 244 to prevent loss ofconfiguration data in storage 213.

Portable computer 30 includes a video controller 246 which is coupled todocking connector 210. Video controller 246 is connected to video memory248. The image in video memory 248 is read by controller 246 anddisplayed on display 34 which is connected to portable computer 30through connector 250.

Portable computer 30 includes a power supply 240 which supplies fullnormal system power 243. A system management bus (SM) 238 is includedand is coupled to a docking connector 210. System management bus 238 isa two-wire, low-speed serial bus used to interconnect management andmonitoring devices.

FIG. 5 depicts a high level flow chart which illustrates establishingpasswords in accordance with the method and system of the presentinvention. The process starts as depicted at block 500 and thereafterpasses to block 502 which illustrates establishing a connectionpassword. A correct entry of the connection password is required inresponse to attempting to connect the portable to the docking station.Access to the docking station and its devices is not permitted until theconnection password is correctly entered. Next, block 504 depictsestablishing a disconnection password. A correct entry of thedisconnection password is required in response to disconnecting theportable from the docking station. If the disconnection password is notcorrectly entered, the portable will become disabled. A single passwordmay be used as both the disconnection and connection password.

Thereafter, block 506 illustrates establishing a relocation password. Acorrect entry of the relocation password is required in response to therelocation switch being decoupled from the stationary support. Access tothe docking station and its devices is not permitted until therelocation password is correctly entered. The process then terminates asillustrated at block 508.

FIG. 6 illustrates a high level flow chart which depicts a securityprocessor within a docking station being utilized to permit or prohibitaccess to the docking station in response to an entry of a password inaccordance with the method and system of the present invention. Theprocess starts as depicted at block 600 and thereafter passes to block602 which illustrates a determination of whether or not the portable hasbeen connected to the docking station. If a determination is made thatthe portable has not been connected to the docking station, the processpasses to block 606 which depicts a determination of whether or not theelectronic switch is clear. The electronic switch will be cleared if thedocking station is removed from its stationary device causing thedocking station relocation switch to open, or if the electronic latchloses power. If a determination is made that the electronic switch isnot clear, the process terminates as illustrated at block 608.

Referring again to block 602, if a determination is made that theportable has been connected to the docking station, the process passesto block 610 which illustrates the security ASIC sending a request forthe portable to prompt for a connection password. Next, block 612depicts a determination of whether or not the correct connectionpassword was received by the security ASIC from the portable. If adetermination is made that the correct connection password was receivedfrom the portable, the process passes to block 614 which illustrates thedocking station permitting access to itself and its devices by supplyingpower to the devices. The process then terminates as illustrated atblock 608. Referring again to block 612, if a determination is made thatthe correct password was not received from the portable, the processpasses to block 616 which depicts the docking station devicesprohibiting access to itself and its devices by the devices remainingpowered-off. The process then terminates as illustrated at block 608.

Referring again to block 606, if a determination is made that theelectronic switch is cleared, the process passes to block 626 whichillustrates the prompting for a relocation password. Next, block 628depicts a determination of whether or not the relocation password wascorrectly entered. If a determination is made that the relocationpassword was correctly entered, the process passes to block 630 whichillustrates permitting access to the docking station and its devices bysupplying power to the devices. The process then terminates asillustrated at block 608. Referring again to block 628, if adetermination is made that the correct password was not correctlyentered, the process passes to block 632 which depicts the dockingstation prohibiting access to itself and its devices by the devicesremaining powered-off. The process then terminates as illustrated atblock 608.

FIG. 7 depicts a high level flow chart which depicts a portable computerpermitting or prohibiting access to the portable computer in response toan entry of a password in accordance with the method and system of thepresent invention. The process starts as depicted at block 700 andthereafter passes to block 702 which illustrates a determination ofwhether or not the portable computer has received a request to promptfor the connection password. If a determination is made that theportable has received a request to prompt for the connection password,the process passes to block 704 which depicts the portable prompting forthe connection password. Next, block 706 illustrates the portablesending the password received in response to the prompt to the dockingstation. The process then terminates as depicted at block 724.

Referring again to block 702, if a determination is made that theportable has not received a request to prompt for the connectionpassword, the process passes to block 708 which depicts a determinationof whether or not the portable is being disconnected from the dockingstation. If a determination is made that the portable is not beingdisconnected from the docking station, the process passes to block 710which illustrates a determination of whether or not the portablecomputer has received a request to prompt for the relocation password.If a determination is made that the portable computer has not received arequest to prompt for the relocation password, the process terminates asillustrated at block 724.

Referring again to block 710, if a determination is made that theportable computer has received a request to prompt for the relocationpassword, the process passes to block 712 which illustrates the portableprompting for the relocation password. Next, block 714 depicts theportable sending the password received in response to the prompt to thedocking station. The process then terminates as illustrated at block724.

Referring again to block 708, if a determination is made that theportable is disconnected from the docking station, the process passes toblock 716 which illustrates the portable computer prompting for adisconnection password. Next, block 718 depicts a determination ofwhether or not the disconnection password was correctly entered. If adetermination is made that the disconnection password was correctlyentered, the process passes to block 720 which illustrates the portableremaining operable after being disconnected from the docking station.The process then terminates as illustrated at block 724. Referring againto block 718, if a determination is made that the correct password wasnot correctly entered, the process passes to block 722 which depicts theportable disabling itself. The process then terminates as illustrated atblock 724.

While a preferred embodiment has been particularly shown and described,it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changesin form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method in a data processing system including adocking station and a portable computer capable of being coupled to saiddocking station, said method comprising the steps of: establishing adisconnection password and a connection password for de-coupling andcoupling said portable computer to said docking station, respectively;responsive to a disconnection of said portable computer from saiddocking station when said portable computer has been interactivelycoupled to said docking station, dynamically prompting a user of saidportable computer for said disconnection password prior to allowingsubsequent access to said portable computer; and automatically disablingsaid portable computer when said user fails to correctly enter saiddisconnection password proximate to said disconnection, wherein saidportable computer is inoperable without a correct entry of saiddisconnection password and said portable computer is enabled forsubsequent access by said user when a correct disconnection password isentered.
 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising thesteps of: responsive to a coupling of said portable computer to saiddocking station, prompting said user for said connection password priorto allowing access to functional features of said docking station; andprohibiting access to said docking station when said user fails tocorrectly enter said connection password.
 3. The method according toclaim 2, wherein the step of prohibiting access to said docking stationfurther comprises the step of prohibiting access to devices includedwithin said docking station by restricting a supply of power to saiddevices until said connection password is correctly entered.
 4. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: couplingsaid docking station to a stationary support utilizing a mechanicalrelocation switch included with said docking station; and in response tosaid relocation switch being decoupled from said stationary support,disabling said docking station.
 5. The method according to claim 4,further comprising the steps of: establishing a relocation password; inresponse to an attempt to access said docking station after saidrelocation switch is decoupled from said stationary support, promptingsaid user for said relocation password; and prohibiting access to saiddocking station when said user fails to correctly enter said relocationpassword.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein said dockingstation includes and electronic latch associated with said relocationswitch, said method further comprising the steps of: setting saidelectronic latch to a first state when said relocation switch isde-coupled from said stationary support, wherein said first state isreached by clearing said electronic latch; prohibiting subsequent accessto said docking station until said relocation password is correctlyentered; setting said electronic latch to a second state when saidrelocation switch is coupled to said stationary support and a correctrelocation password is entered, said second state being different fromsaid first state; and enabling access to said docking station when saidelectronic latch is in said second state.
 7. The method according toclaim 6, further comprising the steps of: supplying power to saidelectronic latch utilizing a battery power source; and clearing saidelectronic latch by disconnected said battery power source when saidrelocation switch is de-coupled from said stationary support.
 8. Themethod according to claim 7, wherein said docking station comprises asecurity processor, said method further comprising storing saiddisconnection password, said connection password, and said relocationpassword utilizing said security processor.
 9. The method according toclaim 8, further comprising the step of prohibiting access to saiddocking station devices until said security processor determines thatsaid connection password was correctly entered.
 10. The method accordingto claim 9, further comprising the step of providing said securityprocessor with constant auxiliary power when said docking station isdisabled.
 11. A system for securing both a docking station and aportable computer that is capable of being coupled to said dockingstation, said system comprising: means for interactively coupling saidportable computer to said docking station; means for establishing adisconnection password utilized for secure disconnection of saidportable computer from said docking station to enable subsequent accessby a user to said portable computer; means for disconnecting saidportable computer from said docking station; means within said portablecomputer for dynamically prompting for said disconnection password inresponse to a disconnection of said portable computer from said dockingstation; and means within said portable computer for automaticallydisabling said portable computer when said user fails to correctly entersaid disconnection password proximate to said disconnection of saidcomputer, wherein said portable computer remains inoperable without acorrect entry of said disconnection password and said portable computeris enabled for subsequent access by said user when a correctdisconnection-password is entered.
 12. The system according to claim 11,further comprising: means, when said portable computer is being coupledto said docking station; for prompting said user for a connectionpassword; and means within said docking station for prohibiting accessto devices and functions of said docking station when said user fails tocorrectly enter said connection password.
 13. The system according toclaim 12, wherein said means within said docking station for prohibitingaccess further comprises means for restricting a supply of power to saiddevices until said connection password is correctly entered.
 14. Thesystem according to claim 13, wherein: said docking station comprises amechanical relocation switch and is coupled to a stationary supportutilizing said mechanical relocation switch; and in response to saidrelocation switch being decoupled from said stationary support.
 15. Thesystem according to claim 14, further comprising: means within saiddocking station for establishing a relocation password; means, inresponse to an attempt to access said docking station after saidrelocation switch is decoupled from said stationary support, forprompting said user for said relocation password; and means within saiddocking station for prohibiting access to said docking station inresponse to a failure of said user to correctly enter said relocationpassword.
 16. The system according to claim 15, further comprising: anelectronic latch included within said docking station, said electroniclatch being coupled to said relocation switch; means for clearing saidelectronic latch in response to said relocation switch being decoupledfrom said stationary support; and means, in response to said electroniclatch being cleared, for prohibiting access to devices and functions ofsaid docking station until said relocation password is correctlyentered.
 17. The system according to claim 16, further comprising: abattery power source for supplying power to said electronic latch; andmeans for clearing said electronic latch by disconnecting said batterypower source when said relocation switch is de-coupled from saidstationary support.
 18. The system according to claim 17, furthercomprising a security processor included within said docking station forstoring said disconnection password, said connection password, and saidrelocation password.
 19. The system according to claim 18, furthercomprising code executed by said security processor for prohibitingaccess to said docking station devices until said security processordetermines that said connection password was correctly entered.
 20. Thesystem according to claim 19, further comprising means for providingsaid security processor capable with constant auxiliary power when saiddocking station is disabled.
 21. A data processing system for securing adocking station and a portable computer that is capable of being coupledto said docking station, said system comprising: a stationary support; adocking station coupled to the stationary support said docking stationcomprising: a mechanical relocation switch by which said docking stationmay be coupled and de-coupled from said stationary support; means forestablishing a disconnection password, a connection password, and arelocation password; a security processor for storing said disconnectionpassword, said connection password, and said relocation password; meansfor prompting said user for a connection password in response to saidportable computer being connected to said docking station; means forprohibiting access to devices included within said docking station byprohibiting a supply of power to said devices until said connectionpassword is correctly entered; means, in response to said relocationswitch being de-coupled from said stationary support, for said dockingstation to disable itself; means, in response to an attempt to accesssaid docking station after said relocation switch is de-coupled fromsaid stationary support, for prompting said user for said relocationpassword; means for prohibiting access to said devices and functions ofsaid docking station when said user does not correctly enter saidrelocation password; an electronic latch included coupled to saidrelocation switch that is capable of being cleared in response to saidelectronic switch being de-coupled from said stationary support; means,in response to said electronic latch being cleared, for prohibitingaccess to said docking station until said relocation password iscorrectly entered; a battery power source coupled to said electroniclatch for supplying power to said electronic latch; means, in responseto said electronic latch being disconnected from said battery powersource, for clearing said electronic latch, wherein said battery powersource is disconnected from said electronic latch when said relocationswitch is de-coupled from said stationary support; said securityprocessor executing code for prohibiting access to said docking rotationdevices until said security processor determines that said connectionpassword was correctly entered; and said security processor capable ofreceiving constant auxiliary power when said docking station isdisabled; and a portable computer capable of being connected to anddisconnected from said docking station, said portable computerincluding: means for prompting a user for said disconnection password inresponse to a disconnection of said portable computer from said dockingstation; and means for disabling itself when said user fails tocorrectly enter said disconnection password proximate to saiddisconnection, wherein said portable computer is inoperable without acorrect entry of said disconnection password.